The city of El Paso, TX, has more than 220 parks and almost 3,000 acres of open spaces with paved pathways and trails for hiking, biking, running, and rollerblading. The striking desert scenery provides the ultimate outdoor experience for nature lovers. Explore the desert on the many scenic trails that crisscross past massive boulders and up rocky hills and marvel at the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Franklin Mountains State Park
Just twenty minutes from El Paso, there are more than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails that run over 27,000 acres in the Franklin Mountains State Park. The tracks range from easy to difficult and can be completed in a day.
The trails mostly start at the Tom Mays Unit and have more than 17 different climbing routes with spectacular views of the desert below. There are many nature trails that snake through the park. Encounters with wildlife that live between the unique desert vegetation are not uncommon.
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
The 860-acre historic site lies in the desert basin, between the Franklin Mountains and the Hueco Mountains, and is just 32 miles from central El Paso. The spectacular views, historical artifacts, fauna, and flora make it worthwhile to explore the unique fauna and flora that survive in the harsh beauty.
Many rugged trails crisscross through the park, dotted with cacti and creosote bushes, ocotillos, and sotols, affording hikers dramatic views of the stark landscape. Be on the lookout for black-tailed jackrabbits, horned lizards, and more than 200 species of birds that live in the rugged surroundings and the rocky hills.
Rio Grande Riverpark and Trail System
The tree-lined 21-mile paved multi-use trail runs along the Rio Grande and offers beautiful views of the river and the Franklin Mountains in the distance. The track is fit for all skill levels and is very popular amongst hikers, joggers, and bikers.
On the path, you’ll meander past willows, salt cedars, and cottonwoods. Waterbirds are plentiful; herons and ducks can often be seen between the reeds and grasses on the banks of the river.
The Thousand Steps Trail
The steep 3,7-mile doubletrack loop trail is used mostly for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and nature trips and starts on a dirt road off Stanton Street and ends at the tram building at the Ranger Peak loop in El Paso. The trail is for more experienced hikers and connects to many other trails along the way. The path gets steeper, in places slippery, and becomes quite a tough climb up to Ranger Peak.
The views on the trail are magnificent, and during spring and summer, wildflowers are everywhere. There is a small rock shelter, built by the power company in the 1930s, where hikers catch a breath before continuing. The trail is easier on the descent but still be cautious as it is easy to slip or stumble.
Explore the wonders of this breathtaking desert on the miles of hiking and biking trails and enjoy the uniqueness of the surroundings of El Paso, TX!
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